Minimum age for a car driving licence in New Brunswick (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Brunswick issues a stage one learner's licence from age 16; stage one drivers must have an accompanying licensed driver, no other occupants and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. Stage two follows after 12 months, or 8 with a driver training course, and allows up to 3 passengers; drivers under 21 have limits between midnight and 5 a.m. A non-resident aged 16 or over with a valid home licence may drive in the province.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | Stage one learner's licence from age 16 (accompanied by a licensed driver who has held a licence for at least 3 years; no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.; zero alcohol). Stage two after 8 months in stage one with a licensed driver training course, or 12 months without, and a road test; a stage two driver under 21 may drive between midnight and 5 a.m. only if accompanied, with exceptions for education and employment, and may carry at most 3 passengers. A driver's licence requires at least 24 months as a learner, at least 12 of them in stage two. [1] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | No number of supervised hours is stated; a stage one learner's licence must be held for at least 12 calendar months (8 with a licensed driver training course) before stage two. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Stage one: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. Stage two drivers under 21 may drive between midnight and 5 a.m. only with an accompanying licensed driver and no other passengers, except for education or employment or with a Registrar's exemption. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Stage one: no one in the vehicle except the accompanying licensed driver. Stage two: no more than 3 passengers, only one of them in the front seat. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A non-resident aged at least 16 with a valid licence from the home province or country, in their immediate possession, may drive in New Brunswick, subject to conditions set by regulation. [1] |
Notes
- The age is derived: a stage two learner's licence requires at least 8 months in stage one with a licensed driver training course, or at least 12 months without it. In stage two a driver under 21 may drive unaccompanied except between midnight and 5 a.m. (with exceptions).
Sources
- Government of New Brunswick (Office of the Attorney General): Motor Vehicle Act, RSNB 1973, c M-17, full text (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 April 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Brunswick and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16 (stage one learner's licence) | Stage 1 at 16; stage 2 after 8-12 months; licence after 24 | 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Quebec | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with an accompanying driver (2+ years) | Learner licence 12 months before road test | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nova Scotia | ⚠ Not yet verified | 16, with a licensed supervisor | 12 months as a learner, or 9 with a course | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in New Brunswick
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, locked
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.90 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Voice or one touch only
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.